We previously mentioned that Rusty the red panda had gone missing from the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington D.C. and was safely captured on Monday afternoon.
The little baby, who isn’t even one-year-old yet, is at the Zoo’s vet hospital to make sure he’s okay.
We were so worried about the little guy!
Thankfully, the zoo has been keeping us updated:
Rusty is still at our vet hospital after yesterday's escapade. He is bright & alert this morning, eating & drinking. pic.twitter.com/5RdaGtO9iz
— National Zoo (@NationalZoo) June 25, 2013
Rusty did very well again overnight! He is eating & drinking normally. pic.twitter.com/OkFDWghQPx
— National Zoo (@NationalZoo) June 26, 2013
Animal care staff reports that Rusty is doing great & continue to monitor his health.
— National Zoo (@NationalZoo) June 27, 2013
Today Rusty will receive a rabies booster vaccination & will remain in the hospital.
— National Zoo (@NationalZoo) June 27, 2013
Rusty's rabies booster shot went well this afternoon! He was rewarded with one of his favorite treats: apple slices. pic.twitter.com/xzZNnEDXrj
— National Zoo (@NationalZoo) June 28, 2013
Now that the little guy is healthy again, the zoo staff was able to start doing the whole detective thing.
They actually have a lead in how the great red panda escape may have happened:
Animal care staff conclude it's likely Rusty climbed out of his exhibit on a bridge of rain-laden trees & bamboo. http://t.co/3tytUzigTV
— National Zoo (@NationalZoo) June 28, 2013
Trees & bamboo around & in the exhibit will be cut back before Rusty returns & other steps will be taken to prevent another escape.
— National Zoo (@NationalZoo) June 28, 2013
The zoo hopes to have Rusty back in his exhibit by July 4th!
So if you’re gonna swing by the Smithsonian National Zoo this Independence Day, go check out Rusty and bask in his cuteness!!
[Image via Smithsonian National Zoo.]
